TY - JOUR T1 - Update on ectopic pregnancy JF - Canadian Medical Association Journal JO - CMAJ SP - 1265 LP - 1269 VL - 129 IS - 12 AU - W. Wolfman AU - G. Holtz Y1 - 1983/12/15 UR - http://www.cmaj.ca/content/129/12/1265.abstract N2 - Ectopic pregnancy is the leading cause of maternal death in the first trimester. Its incidence is increasing, probably owing to the increasing incidence of pelvic inflammatory disease. Although up to 15% of patients have been reported to present in shock, a large number seek care earlier because of pelvic pain and irregular menses. With strong clinical suspicion and the use of culdocentesis, assays of the beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin in the blood and ultrasonography, the diagnosis can be made before rupture occurs. Although the woman's subsequent fertility has traditionally been poor, some improvement has been achieved with the use of conservative surgical techniques. Early diagnosis facilitates this approach. ER -